Babel: Reds can be confident in Turkey
There'll be a familiar face among the Liverpool supporters inside the Ataturk Stadium this evening as Ryan Babel takes his place among the travelling Kopites to cheer on the Reds against Besiktas in the Europa League.
Brendan Rodgers' side take on the Turkish outfit in Istanbul holding a 1-0 lead from last week's first leg at Anfield and aiming to move into the last 16 of the tournament.
They'll be cheered on by a whole host of supporters within the ground - both from Merseyside and from local fan bases - including former Liverpool forward Babel.
The 28-year-old made 146 appearances for the club between 2007 and 2011, scoring 22 goals, and dropped by the Reds' team hotel in Istanbul on Wednesday evening to catch up with some old friends and meet some new faces.
And Babel, who now plays for Turkish Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa, is confident his ex-club can book their place in the next round of the competition.
"I am very excited about attending the game," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "Since I left Liverpool, I have always been a fan and followed the team over the years.
"Now I live here in Istanbul, the game is very close to home so I felt the chance to watch them live was one I couldn't miss."
Babel represented Liverpool on the last occasion they met Besiktas, back in the 2007-08 Champions League group stage.
He played the whole 90 minutes as the Reds lost 2-1 at the Inonu Stadium before scoring twice after coming on as a second-half substitute in an 8-0 win in the return meeting at Anfield.
Babel feels the home fans are still seeking a modicum of revenge for that evening in front of the Kop, but is confident Liverpool will have enough to prevail.
He continued: "I've heard the stadium is sold out, which hasn't happened so far this season for Besiktas.
"I am expecting a lot of noise from their fans. In the back of their minds, they'll know what happened the last time Liverpool played Besiktas a few years ago - I still think they want to have some kind of revenge.
"It was a much better Besiktas side this time. They made it very difficult for Liverpool by staying compact and defensive in the first leg.
"In the end, with the penalty, I think Liverpool have a good chance for the second leg. They have a lead, which means Besiktas have to attack.
"Demba Ba didn't play in their last game because he had an injury, but if he's playing, Liverpool will need to keep an eye on him. He in general makes the most impact for Besiktas up front - but overall, Liverpool should have the confidence to win the game."
Despite leaving the club in the January transfer window of 2011, Babel remains a popular figure among Liverpool supporters - particularly on Twitter, where his passion for the Reds remains evident each and every matchday.
Babel said: "Most of the games I try to follow, but I also am obviously still playing myself so sometimes my games are at the same time as Liverpool's, so I have to watch the highlights.
"Liverpool is still a part of me - since I left the club, I have remained a big fan. I still have a house in Liverpool and some friends there. It's a part of me and has been a part of my personal development. It was a good experience."
Stay tuned to Liverpoolfc.com for the full and in-depth interview with Ryan Babel coming soon.